Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

ABSTRACT

There is provided an information processing apparatus that makes it possible to apply a tactile stimulus in a more flexible manner in accordance with the position of a tactile-sense applying unit. The information processing apparatus includes: an acquiring unit that acquires the positional information on at least one of a plurality of tactile-sense applying units that apply a tactile stimulus by using a tactile control signal generated for each of the tactile-sense applying units; and a data processing unit that changes the tactile control signal by using the positional information.

CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION

This application is a National Stage Patent Application of PCTInternational Patent Application No. PCT/JP2019/001481 (filed on Jan.18, 2019) under 35 U.S.C. § 371, which claims priority to JapanesePatent Application No. 2018-059309 (filed on Mar. 27, 2018), which areall hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus,an information processing method, and a program.

BACKGROUND

Various techniques for applying a tactile stimulus such as a vibrationto a user are conventionally disclosed as in, for example, PatentLiterature 1 below.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: JP 2016-38815 A

SUMMARY Technical Problem

In some cases, however, the position of an actuator (also referred to as“tactile-sense applying unit”) that applies a tactile stimulus isdifferent at the time of recording (at the time of preparation, at thetime of generation) and at the time of reproduction of a tactile controlsignal for controlling the apparatus disclosed in Patent Literature 1.Although the position of a tactile-sense applying unit is sometimesdifferent at the time of recording and at the time of reproduction of atactile control signal due to, for example, a change in the installationlayout of tactile-sense applying units or the attachment state of theapparatus (e.g., attachment misalignment), it is difficult to beflexible in accordance with the positions of the tactile-sense applyingunits according to the technology of Patent Literature 1, etc.

Thus, the present disclosure discloses an information processingapparatus, an information processing method, and a program with which itis possible to apply a tactile stimulus in a more flexible manner inaccordance with the position of a tactile-sense applying unit.

Solution to Problem

According to the present disclosure, an information processing apparatusis provided that includes: an acquiring unit that acquires positionalinformation on at least one of a plurality of tactile-sense applyingunits that apply a tactile stimulus by using a tactile control signalgenerated for each of the tactile-sense applying units; and a dataprocessing unit that changes the tactile control signal by using thepositional information.

Moreover, according to the present disclosure, an information processingmethod implemented by a computer is provided that includes: acquiringpositional information on at least one of a plurality of tactile-senseapplying units that apply a tactile stimulus by using a tactile controlsignal generated for each of the tactile-sense applying units; andchanging the tactile control signal by using the positional information.

Moreover, according to the present disclosure, a program is providedthat causes a computer to execute: acquiring positional information onat least one of a plurality of tactile-sense applying units that apply atactile stimulus by using a tactile control signal generated for each ofthe tactile-sense applying units; and changing the tactile controlsignal by using the positional information.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

As described above, according to the present disclosure, it is possibleto apply a tactile stimulus in a more flexible manner in accordance withthe position of a tactile-sense applying unit.

Furthermore, the above-described advantageous effects are notnecessarily for limitation, but any advantageous effect mentioned inthis description or other advantageous effects that may be understoodfrom this description may be produced together with the above-describedadvantageous effect or in place of the above-described advantageouseffect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overview of an informationprocessing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the informationprocessing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the informationprocessing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the informationprocessing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functionalcomponent of a server 200.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functionalcomponent of a tactile-sense application module 100.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation ofidentifying a position by the tactile-sense application module 100.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation ofoutputting a tactile control signal by the server 200 and thetactile-sense application module 100.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation ofoutputting a tactile control signal by the server 200 and thetactile-sense application module 100.

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operationof outputting a tactile control signal by the server 200 and thetactile-sense application module 100.

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operationof outputting a tactile control signal by the server 200 and thetactile-sense application module 100.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardwareconfiguration of the tactile-sense application module 100 or the server200.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is described below indetail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in thedescription and the drawings, the constituent element includingsubstantially the same functional component are denoted by the samereference numeral, and the duplicated descriptions are omitted.

Further, the description is given in the following order.

-   1. Overview of an information processing system according to an    embodiment of the present disclosure    -   1-1. Tactile-sense application module 100    -   1-2. Background-   2. Functional component    -   2-1. Functional component of a server 200    -   2-2. Functional component of the tactile-sense application        module 100-   3. Operation processing    -   3-1. Operation to identify a position by the tactile-sense        application module 100    -   3-2. Operation to output a tactile control signal-   4. Hardware Configuration-   5. Conclusion

Overview of the Information Processing System According to an Embodimentof the Present Disclosure

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the informationprocessing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.As illustrated in FIG. 1, the information processing system according tothe present embodiment includes: a tactile-sense application device 10that applies a tactile stimulus to a user; and a server 200 that, forexample, controls the content of the tactile stimulus.

Although the shape of the tactile-sense application device 10 is notparticularly limited, the vest type worn by the user as illustrated inFIG. 1 is given as an example. The tactile-sense application device 10illustrated in FIG. 1 includes the plurality of tactile-senseapplication modules 100 (a tactile-sense application module 100 a to atactile-sense application module 100 f are illustrated in the drawing)and a plurality of sound output units 102 (a sound output unit 102 a anda sound output unit 102 b are illustrated in the drawing). For example,a predetermined number (e.g., six) of the tactile-sense applicationmodules 100 may be disposed inside the tactile-sense application device10 on each of the front side and the back side of the user. For example,each of the tactile-sense application modules 100 is arranged in such apositional relationship that the individual tactile-sense applicationmodules 100 disposed on the front side are opposed to the individualtactile-sense application modules 100 disposed on the back side.

Furthermore, although FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which thetactile-sense application device 10 is a vest type (sleeveless clothes),this example is not a limitation, and the tactile-sense applicationdevice 10 may include sleeves. In this case, the one or moretactile-sense application modules 100 may be disposed on not only thechest and the abdomen of the user but also the positions correspondingto both arms of the user. Further, the tactile-sense application device10 is not limited to the jacket illustrated in FIG. 1 but may be, forexample, pants, sock, shoe, belt, hat, glove, or mask. Moreover, forexample, the combination of things such as a jacket and pants may formthe tactile-sense application device 10 (one group of the tactile-senseapplication devices 10). In other words, the tactile-sense applicationmodules 100 are included in the single tactile-sense application device10 (e.g., the vest-type tactile-sense application device 10 illustratedin FIG. 1) or one group of the tactile-sense application devices 10(e.g., the jacket and the pants).

Furthermore, in the tactile-sense application device 10 illustrated inFIG. 1, the single sound output unit 102 is disposed on each of theright and left shoulder portions; however, the present embodiment is notlimited thereto, and the single sound output unit 102 may be disposed orthe three or more sound output units 102 may be disposed. Further, thesound output unit 102 may be disposed as an independent device in thepredetermined space instead of being included in the tactile-senseapplication device 10 or may be included in a wearable device (e.g.,headphones or a headset) or a portable device (e.g., a portable musicplayer, a smartphone, or a portable game console) different from thetactile-sense application device 10.

Further, the tactile-sense application device 10 is not limited to theabove-described clothing ornaments, but a controller, a gun-typecontroller, a bed, a chair, or the like, may be applied.

(1-1. The Tactile-Sense Application Module 100)

The tactile-sense application modules 100 included in the tactile-senseapplication device 10 are information processing apparatuses capable ofapplying different tactile stimuli. For example, the tactile-senseapplication module 100 may generate vibrations by using a tactilecontrol signal generated for each of the tactile-sense applicationmodules 100 (e.g., a waveform 20 to a waveform 22 generated for atactile-sense application module 100 g to tactile-sense applicationmodule 100 i, respectively, illustrated in FIG. 2).

When the tactile-sense application modules 100 individually generatevibrations, the generated vibrations may be perceived only in theneighborhood of the corresponding tactile-sense application module 100.That is, when the individual tactile-sense application modules 100 arelocated apart from each other, the vibrations separately generated bythe individual tactile-sense application modules 100 may be perceiveddiscretely in the user's body.

Furthermore, there is a medically defined illusion phenomenon calledphantom sensation. Phantom sensation is an illusion phenomenon suchthat, when stimuli are simultaneously applied to different positions onthe skin, a person perceives only one stimulus in the interval betweenthe positions of the applied stimuli. For example, it is known that,when the two tactile-sense application modules 100 disposed on theuser's body simultaneously output stimuli, the position (hereinafterreferred to as “perceptual position” for convenience) of the stimulusperceived by the user is typically the position between the twotactile-sense application modules 100.

Furthermore, it is possible to continuously increase the range oftactile stimuli that may be applied by the tactile-sense applicationmodules 100 by changing the output intensities of the tactile-senseapplication modules 100 without changing the installation intervals ofthe individual tactile-sense application modules 100. An example (anexample of phantom sensation) of the relationship between the perceptualposition and the output intensity of each of the two tactile-senseapplication modules 100 is described. It is assumed that, for example,the output intensity of the first tactile-sense application module 100is continuously decreased, for example, “1”, “0.6”, and “0”, and theoutput intensity of the second tactile-sense application module 100 iscontinuously increased, for example, “0”, “0.6”, and “1”, as the timeelapses. In this case, the perceptual position (perceived by the user)may continuously move from the application position of the firsttactile-sense application module 100 to the application position of thesecond tactile-sense application module 100.

(1-2. Background)

Next, the background of the present disclosure is described. Anapparatus that applies a tactile stimulus to a user, such as theapparatus disclosed in Patent Literature 1, is based on the assumptionthat the identical apparatus is used at the time of recording(preparation, generation) and at the time of reproduction of a tactilecontrol signal, there is no change in the installation layout oftactile-sense applying units that apply tactile stimuli, or there is nochange in the position of a tactile-sense applying unit with respect toa body (the apparatus is attached as appropriate or is used in anappropriate mode).

Therefore, the applied perceptual effect changes due to, for example, achange in the installation layout of the tactile-sense applying units atthe time of recording and at the time of reproduction of a tactilecontrol signal or due to a change in the position of the tactile-senseapplying unit with respect to the body (the attachment state or theusage mode is different from the assumed one).

The discloser of the present disclosure has achieved the techniqueaccording to the present disclosure in consideration of theabove-described circumstance. According to the present disclosure, thepositional information on at least one of the tactile-sense applyingunits is acquired and a tactile control signal is changed by using thepositional information so that a tactile stimulus may be applied in amore flexible manner in accordance with the position of thetactile-sense applying unit.

More specific descriptions are given; it is assumed that, at the time ofrecording of a tactile control signal, a tactile-sense applicationmodule 100 j to a tactile-sense application module 100 m, which functionas a tactile-sense applying unit, are arranged and designed such that aperceptual position 30 changes from the upper left to the lower right(for example, designed for the perception of cutting from the upper leftto the lower right), as illustrated in A of FIG. 3.

Then, when the installation layout of each of the tactile-senseapplication modules 100 is changed or when the position of thetactile-sense application module 100 with respect to the body is changed(when the attachment state or the usage mode is different from theassumed one) after the recording of a tactile control signal, asillustrated in B of FIG. 3, the tactile-sense application module 100according to the present disclosure may change the tactile controlsignal in accordance with the positional information. Thus, the presentdisclosure makes it possible to achieve the same perceptual effect asthat at the time of the recording of the tactile control signal.

That is, it may be said that, according to the present disclosure, atactile control signal used by the certain tactile-sense applicationdevice 10 (e.g., the tactile-sense application device 10 before theinstallation layout is changed or the tactile-sense application device10 in a case where there is no change in the position) is changed so asto generate the tactile control signal used by the differenttactile-sense application device 10 (e.g., the tactile-sense applicationdevice 10 after the installation layout is changed or the tactile-senseapplication device 10 in a case where there is a change in theposition).

Thus, according to the present disclosure, a tactile control signalrecorded for a vest-type tactile-sense application device 10 aillustrated in for example A of FIG. 4 may be changed to generate atactile control signal that may be used for a life-jacket typetactile-sense application device 10 b illustrated in B of FIG. 4. Inother words, the present disclosure makes it possible to eliminate theload for recording a tactile control signal for each of thetactile-sense application devices 10 having a different installationlayout of the tactile-sense application modules 100.

Furthermore, although the tactile-sense application module 100 applies avibration in the above description, the tactile sense applied by thetactile-sense application module 100 is not limited to vibrations. Forexample, the tactile-sense application module 100 may apply any senseperceivable by a user, such as a sense of force (e.g., electricalstimulus) or a temperature sense.

2. Functional Component

In the above description, the overview of the information processingsystem according to the present embodiment has been described. Next, thefunctional component of the server 200 and the tactile-sense applicationmodule 100 according to the present embodiment is described in detailwith reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

(2-1. Functional Component of the Server 200)

First, with reference to FIG. 5, a functional component of the server200 according to the present embodiment is described. FIG. 5 is a blockdiagram illustrating an example of a functional component of the server200 according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the server 200 is an information processingapparatus including a control unit 210, a communication unit 220, anoperation input unit 230, a display unit 240, and a storage unit 250.

(The Control Unit 210)

The control unit 210 is a functional component that controls eachfunctional component of the server 200 in an integrated manner. Forexample, the control unit 210 may control the activation or thetermination of each functional component based on an input from theoperation input unit 230 and may specify the perceptual position, theperceptual intensity, or the like, of the perception applied to the userby each of the tactile-sense application modules 100. Furthermore, thecontrol details of the control unit 210 are not limited thereto. Forexample, the control unit 210 may perform processing (e.g., theprocessing of an operating system (OS)) that is generally performed in ageneral-purpose computer, a PC (personal computer), a tablet PC, asmartphone, or the like. Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the controlunit 210 includes a perceptual-position/intensity determining unit 211and an output control unit 212.

(The Perceptual-Position/Intensity Determining Unit 211)

The perceptual-position/intensity determining unit 211 is a functionalcomponent that, for example, determines (calculates) the content (e.g.,the vibrational frequency or amplitude) of the perception for thetactile-sense application modules 100 corresponding to the targetperceptual position (such that the specified perceptual intensity isperceived at the specified perceptual position) in accordance with theperceptual position or the perceptual intensity specified by the controlunit 210 and generates the tactile control signal or the perceptualsetting information to be output to the tactile-sense applicationmodules 100.

Here, the tactile control signal according to the present disclosure isa signal used to apply a tactile sense by each of the tactile-senseapplication modules 100 (that is, it can be said that the tactilecontrol signal is, but is not limited thereto, a signal generated foreach of the tactile-sense application modules 100). For example, thetactile control signal may be the waveform information used to apply avibration or a sense of force or may be the numerical information usedto apply a temperature sense. Furthermore, the details of the tactilecontrol signal are not limited to thereto. For example, the tactilecontrol signal used to apply a vibration or a sense of force may benumerical information, or the tactile control signal used to apply atemperature sense may be waveform information.

Furthermore, the perceptual setting information according to the presentdisclosure is various types of setting information that is intended bythe server 200 so as to be perceived by the user. For example, theperceptual setting information may be the information including theperceptual position, the perceptual intensity, or the like. According tothe present disclosure, as the tactile-sense application module 100 isprovided with the perceptual setting information together with thetactile control signal so that the tactile-sense application module 100may change the tactile control signal as appropriate in accordance withthe perceptual setting information and the positional information on thetactile-sense application module 100.

Here, the perceptual position in the perceptual setting informationincludes the movement route of the perceptual position. The perceptualposition and the movement route of the perceptual position may be set onthe surface of the user's body. For example, it is possible to apply atactile stimulus to the user such that the perceptual positioncontinuously moves from the position serving as the start point on theuser's body to the position serving as an end point. Alternatively, themovement route of the perceptual position may be set as the routeconnecting a first surface of the user's body, the inside of the user'sbody, and a second surface opposed to the first surface. Here, the firstsurface may be the user's front side, and the second surface may be theuser's back side. Alternatively, the first surface may be the frontsurface of a predetermined site such as an arm, and the second surfacemay be the back surface of the site. For example, when the movementroute is the route connecting the position on the front side of theuser, the inside of the user's body, and the position on the back sideof the user, it is possible to apply, to the user, the sense penetratingthe inside of the body from the front side to the back side.

Furthermore, the perceptual-position/intensity determining unit 211 mayalso set a perceptual range.

Further, the perceptual-position/intensity determining unit 211 mayrelate the perceptual position to the timing corresponding to thecontent being reproduced (e.g., a movie or a game content). Thus, withthe use of the tactile-sense application device 10, it is possible toapply a predetermined tactile stimulus at a predetermined timing to theuser who is viewing the content.

Moreover, the perceptual-position/intensity determining unit 211 maydetermine the content of the perception for all the tactile-senseapplication modules 100 included in the tactile-sense application device10 or may determine the content of the perception for only some of thetactile-sense application modules 100 in accordance with the timing ofthe content, etc.

(The Output Control Unit 212)

The output control unit 212 is a functional component that controls thetactile-sense application module 100 so as to output a tactile stimulusin accordance with the details determined by theperceptual-position/intensity determining unit 211. Thus, for example,the user actually wears the tactile-sense application device 10 and hasa physical feeling so as to check the effect (the perceptual effect) ofthe specified tactile stimulus. Specifically, the output control unit212 outputs the tactile control signal and the perceptual settinginformation generated by the perceptual-position/intensity determiningunit 211 to each of the tactile-sense application modules 100.Furthermore, the output control unit 212 may also control thereproduction of the content (video) that is reproduced by a displaydevice (a display, an HMD, a projector, a PC, a smartphone, etc.) andcontrol the tactile-sense application module 100 so as to output atactile stimulus at the predetermined set timing in accordance with thereproduction of the content. Moreover, the output control unit 212 mayalso control the sound output unit 102 of the tactile-sense applicationdevice 10 so as to reproduce a sound, such as an impact sound,corresponding to the applied tactile stimulus.

(The Communication Unit 220)

The communication unit 220 is a functional component that transmits andreceives information to and from a different device. For example, thecommunication unit 220 transmits the tactile control signal and theperceptual setting information to each of the tactile-sense applicationmodules 100 under the control of the output control unit 212.Furthermore, the communication unit 220 transmits the control signal forthe output of the sound to be reproduced to each of the sound outputunits 102 under the control of the output control unit 212.

The communication unit 220 communicatively connects to a differentdevice via, for example, a wired/wireless LAN (Local Area Network),Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NearField Communication, or a mobile communication network (LTE (Long TermEvolution) or 3G (third-generation mobile communication system)).Further, the details of the communication and the communication systemimplemented by the communication unit 220 are not limited to the abovedescription.

(The Operation Input Unit 230)

The operation input unit 230 is a functional component that receives anoperation instruction from the user and outputs the operation details tothe control unit 210. The operation input unit 230 may be a touchsensor, a pressure sensor, or a proximity sensor. Alternatively, theoperation input unit 230 may be a physical component, such as akeyboard, a mouse, a button, a switch, and a lever. Moreover, the typeof the operation input unit 230 is not limited thereto.

(The Display Unit 240)

The display unit 240 is a functional component that outputs, forexample, the setting screen used for setting a perceptual effect. Thedisplay unit 240 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD:Liquid Crystal Display), or an organic EL ((Electro Luminescence)display. Further, the type of the display unit 240 is not limitedthereto.

(The Storage Unit 250)

The storage unit 250 is a functional component that stores various typesof information. For example, the storage unit 250 stores programs,parameters, etc., used by each functional component of the server 200.Further, the details of the information stored in the storage unit 250are not limited thereto.

The examples of the functional components of the server 200 have beendescribed above. Further, the above-described functional componentsdescribed with reference to FIG. 5 are merely examples, and thefunctional components of the server 200 are not limited to the examples.For example, the server 200 may not necessarily include all of thefunctional components illustrated in FIG. 5. Further, the functionalcomponent of the server 200 may be flexibly modified in accordance withthe specification or the operation.

Furthermore, the server 200 is not limited to the PC illustrated in FIG.1 and may be implemented by using a smartphone, a mobile phone terminal,a tablet terminal, a dedicated terminal, or the like. Further, at leastpart of the control unit 210 of the server 200 may be implemented byusing a different server (or the tactile-sense application module 100)on the network. Further, the display unit 240 may be implemented byusing a projector so that a setting screen, or the like, is projectedonto a wall, a table, a screen, etc. In this case, with regard to auser's operation input to a projection screen, a touch operation on theprojection screen may be detected by a camera that is separatelyinstalled.

(2-2. Functional Component of the Tactile-Sense Application Module 100)

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, functional components of thetactile-sense application module 100 according to the present embodimentare described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of afunctional component of the tactile-sense application module 100according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the tactile-sense application module 100includes a control unit 110, a communication unit 120, a sensor unit130, a tactile-sense applying unit 140, and a storage unit 150.Furthermore, in this description, the tactile-sense application module100 includes the tactile-sense applying unit 140; however, thetactile-sense applying unit 140 may include the function of thetactile-sense application module 100 (in other words, the tactile-senseapplying unit 140 may be referred to as the tactile-sense applicationmodule 100, or vice versa).

(The Control Unit 110)

The control unit 110 is a functional component that controls eachfunctional component of the tactile-sense application module 100 in anintegrated manner. For example, the control unit 110 may control theactivation or the termination of each functional component by using acontrol signal provided by the server 200. Further, the control detailsof the control unit 110 are not particularly limited. For example, thecontrol unit 110 may perform processing (e.g., processing of the OS)that is typically performed in a general-purpose computer, a PC, atablet PC, a smartphone, etc.

(A Positional-Information Generating Unit 111)

The positional-information generating unit 111 is a functional componentthat identifies the position of the tactile-sense application module 100and generates the positional information. More specifically, thepositional-information generating unit 111 searches for the differenttactile-sense application module 100 located in the neighborhood byusing a three-dimensional position sensor, or the like (what is called adistance sensor such as an infrared sensor, a beacon, or a camera)included in the sensor unit 130. When the different tactile-senseapplication module 100 located in the neighborhood is detected, thepositional-information generating unit 111 outputs the relativepositional relationship (e.g., a separation distance) between its ownapparatus and the detected different tactile-sense application module100 based on the sensor information provided by the sensor unit 130.

Furthermore, the method for identifying the position is not limited tothe above description. For example, the positional-informationgenerating unit 111 may identify the absolute position on the user'sbody (the target to which a tactile stimulus is applied) by using anattitude sensor, or the like (e.g., a gyro sensor or an accelerationsensor) included in the sensor unit 130. More specifically, when thetactile-sense application device 10 is attached to the user, the outputof the attitude sensor, or the like, is different due to a difference inthe attitude, the movement, etc., of the body site with which thetactile-sense application device 10 is in contact. Therefore, based onthe feature value of the sensor information from the attitude sensor, orthe like, the positional-information generating unit 111 may sometimesidentify the position of the body with which its own apparatus is incontact.

Furthermore, the positional-information generating unit 111 generatesthe positional information that is the information about the position ofits own apparatus identified by using the above-described method. Thepositional information may include the information (hereinafter alsoreferred to as “relative positional information” for convenience) aboutthe relative positional relationship with the different tactile-senseapplication module 100 or the information (hereinafter also referred toas “absolute positional information” for convenience) about the absoluteposition on the user's body (the target to which a tactile stimulus isapplied) identified by using the above-described method. Further, thepositional-information generating unit 111 may identify the position ofthe different tactile-sense application module 100 as appropriate aswell as its own apparatus and generate the positional information.

Here, the details of the relative positional information are notparticularly limited. For example, the relative positional informationmay be represented by using a three-dimensional coordinate system withthe predetermined tactile-sense application module 100 as a referencepoint (e.g., a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system or athree-dimensional oblique coordinate system in which the three axes arethe three lines connecting from the tactile-sense application module 100serving as a reference to the three other tactile-sense applicationmodules 100) or may be represented by using an angle and a separationdistance with respect to the reference point.

Furthermore, the details of the absolute positional information are alsonot particularly limited. For example, the absolute positionalinformation may be represented by using each site of the body (e.g.,head, neck, shoulder, waist, elbow, wrist, knee, ankle, or each finger)or may be represented by using any of the predetermined points (e.g., ahead first point, a head second point) of each site.

Furthermore, the positional-information generating unit 111 may identifythe position of the different tactile-sense application module 100. Forexample, the positional-information generating unit 111 may recognizethe relative positional relationship (e.g., a separation distance)between its own apparatus and the different tactile-sense applicationmodule 100 by using a three-dimensional position sensor, or the like(what is called a distance sensor such as an infrared sensor, a beacon,or a camera) included in the sensor unit 130. In this case, thepositional-information generating unit 111 may generate the positionalinformation on the different tactile-sense application module 100 andprovide the positional information to the different tactile-senseapplication module 100 via the communication unit 120. Thus, forexample, even in a case where each of the tactile-sense applicationmodules 100 has a different function and performance and there is thetactile-sense application module 100 that is not able to output thepositional information with high accuracy (or does not have the functionto output the positional information), the tactile-sense applicationmodules 100 may recognize their positions with high accuracy.Furthermore, when there is the tactile-sense application module 100whose remaining amount of electric power is less than a predeterminedamount, the tactile-sense application module 100 may receive thepositional information provided by the different tactile-senseapplication module 100 without generating the positional information byitself so as to reduce the power consumption.

Furthermore, the method for identifying the position by thepositional-information generating unit 111 is not limited to the abovedescription. For example, the positional-information generating unit 111may identify the position by using the sensor information provided by anexternal device as well as the sensor information provided by the sensorunit 130 of its own apparatus. For example, the positional-informationgenerating unit 111 may acquire sensor information from athree-dimensional position sensor, or the like (what is called adistance sensor such as an infrared sensor, a beacon, or a camera)included in the external device via the communication unit 120 andanalyze the sensor information to identify the position of its ownapparatus. Thus, the positional-information generating unit 111 mayidentify the position as appropriate even when the sensor unit 130outputs low-accuracy sensor information or when the sensor unit 130 doesnot include a desired sensor.

The positional-information generating unit 111 stores the generatedpositional information in the storage unit 150. Furthermore, thepositional-information generating unit 111 continuously recognizeschanges in its position in accordance with a predetermined trigger(e.g., a request signal from the server 200) or at a predeterminedtiming (e.g., periodically) to update the positional information.

Furthermore, the positional-information generating unit 111 may generatethe positional information on the different tactile-sense applicationmodule 100 (particularly, the tactile-sense application module 100 inthe neighborhood) by itself or acquire it from the differenttactile-sense application module 100 and store it in the storage unit150 as appropriate. Further, the positional-information generating unit111 may analyze the sensor information to predict the position. Thus, adata processing unit 112 may change the tactile control signal by usingthe positional information indicating the predicted position at the timeof the actual application of a tactile stimulus so as to achieve a moreappropriate tactile stimulus. Here, the method for predicting theposition is not particularly limited, and a known prediction techniquemay be used.

(The Data Processing Unit 112)

The data processing unit 112 is a functional component that changes atactile control signal in accordance with the positional information andthe perceptual setting information on its own apparatus. Morespecifically, the data processing unit 112 receives the tactile controlsignal and the perceptual setting information provided by the server 200and then acquires the positional information generated by thepositional-information generating unit 111 from the storage unit 150(functions as an acquiring unit) to recognize the position of its ownapparatus and the position of the different tactile-sense applicationmodule 100 as appropriate.

Further, the data processing unit 112 identifies the tactile-senseapplication modules 100 located in the neighborhood of the perceptualposition specified by the perceptual setting information. Then, the dataprocessing unit 112 calculates the output intensity of its own apparatusor the output intensity of the different tactile-sense applicationmodule 100 as appropriate based on the positional relationship betweeneach of the tactile-sense application modules 100 and the specifiedperceptual position and the perceptual intensity specified by theperceptual setting information. Specifically, the data processing unit112 adjusts the output intensity of its own apparatus or the differenttactile-sense application module 100 based on the perceptual positionand the perceptual intensity specified by the perceptual settinginformation and the distance from the tactile-sense application modules100 located in the neighborhood. The technique disclosed inPCT/JP2017/14379 may be used to adjust the output intensities of thetactile-sense application modules 100 so as to apply a predeterminedtactile stimulus to the target position on the user's body.

For example, when the first tactile-sense application module 100 (e.g.,its own apparatus) and the second tactile-sense application module 100(e.g., the different tactile-sense application module 100) are locatedin the neighborhood of the perceptual position specified by theperceptual setting information, the data processing unit 112 calculatesthe output intensity of the first tactile-sense application module 100based on the distance between the application position of the firsttactile-sense application module 100 on the user's body and the targetperceptual position. Moreover, the data processing unit 112 maydetermine the output intensity of the second tactile-sense applicationmodule 100 based on the distance between the application position of thesecond tactile-sense application module 100 on the user's body and thetarget perceptual position as appropriate.

The above-described function is described below in more detail. First,an example of adjusting the output intensities of the two tactile-senseapplication modules 100 when the target perceptual position is locatedbetween the application positions of the two tactile-sense applicationmodules 100 is described. For example, the data processing unit 112determines the output intensity of the first tactile-sense applicationmodule 100 and the output intensity of the second tactile-senseapplication module 100 as appropriate based on the positionalrelationship between the target perceptual position and the intermediateposition between the application position of the first tactile-senseapplication module 100 (e.g., its own apparatus) and the applicationposition of the second tactile-sense application module 100 (e.g., thedifferent tactile-sense application module 100).

For example, the data processing unit 112 may determine the outputintensities of the first tactile-sense application module 100 and thesecond tactile-sense application module 100 such that the total value ofthe output intensity of the first tactile-sense application module 100and the output intensity of the second tactile-sense application module100 increases as the distance between the intermediate position and thetarget perceptual position decreases. Furthermore, when the targetperceptual position is located closer to the application position of thefirst tactile-sense application module 100 than the application positionof the second tactile-sense application module 100, the data processingunit 112 may determine the output intensity of the first tactile-senseapplication module 100 such that the output intensity of the firsttactile-sense application module 100 increases as the distance betweenthe application position of the first tactile-sense application module100 and the target perceptual position increases. Moreover, the sameholds for the second tactile-sense application module 100 (that is, therelation is reversed).

Furthermore, the data processing unit 112 changes the tactile controlsignal provided by the server 200 based on the output intensitydetermined by using the above-described method. For example, the dataprocessing unit 112 executes amplification, attenuation, or the like, ofthe tactile control signal on the basis of the output intensity.

Furthermore, the data processing unit 112 may also perform the processto change the tactile control signal by using the sensor informationprovided by the sensor unit 130. For example, in a case where thetactile-sense applying unit 140 applies a temperature sense, the dataprocessing unit 112 may apply a more accurate temperature sense based onthe sensor information provided by the temperature sensor of the sensorunit 130 (for example, the data processing unit 112 may adjust theoutput intensity of the tactile-sense applying unit 140 until theapplication target has the target temperature). Furthermore, the dataprocessing unit 112 may calculate the heat capacity, or the like, of theapplication target based on the sensor information provided by thetemperature sensor to recognize the likelihood of increase in thetemperature (or the likelihood of decrease in the temperature) of theapplication target so as to adjust the output intensity of thetactile-sense applying unit 140. For example, when the applicationtarget has a high heat capacity (in other words, the temperature isunlikely to increase), the data processing unit 112 may change theoutput intensity so as to be higher.

Furthermore, when the tactile-sense applying unit 140 applies avibration, the data processing unit 112 may recognize the transmissioncharacteristics of the vibration based on the sensor informationprovided by the acceleration sensor so as to adjust the output intensityof the tactile-sense applying unit 140. For example, in a case where thevibration is difficult to transmit, the data processing unit 112 maychange the output intensity so as to be higher.

Furthermore, when the tactile-sense applying unit 140 applies avibration, a sense of force, etc., the data processing unit 112 mayrecognize the strength with which the tactile-sense application module100 is secured to the body based on the sensor information provided bythe pressure sensor so as to adjust the output intensity of thetactile-sense applying unit 140. For example, when the tactile-senseapplication module 100 is secured to the body with a low strength, thedata processing unit 112 may change the output intensity so as to behigher.

Furthermore, basically, the tactile-sense application module 100calculates the output intensity of its own apparatus and changes thetactile control signal; however, it may calculate the output intensityof the different tactile-sense application module 100 as appropriate.For example, the data processing unit 112 may calculate the outputintensity of the different tactile-sense application module 100 by usingthe above-described method (the same method as that for its ownapparatus). Further, the data processing unit 112 may set the averagevalue of the output intensities of the tactile-sense application modules100 located in the neighborhood (within a predetermined range) of eachother as the output intensities of the tactile-sense application modules100. Further, the data processing unit 112 may set any one of the outputintensities of the tactile-sense application modules 100 located in theneighborhood (within a predetermined range) of each other as the outputintensities of the other tactile-sense application modules 100. Then,after calculating the output intensities of the other tactile-senseapplication modules 100, the data processing unit 112 provides theinformation on the output intensities (or the tactile control signalthat has been changed in accordance with the output intensity) to theother tactile-sense application modules 100 via the communication unit120.

Thus, for example, even in a case where each of the tactile-senseapplication modules 100 has a different function and performance andthere is the tactile-sense application module 100 that is not able tocalculate the output intensity with high accuracy (or does not have thefunction to calculate the output intensity), each of the tactile-senseapplication modules 100 may perform the process to change the tactilecontrol signal as appropriate. Further, when there is the tactile-senseapplication module 100 whose remaining amount of electric power is lowerthan a predetermined amount, the tactile-sense application module 100may receive the information on the output intensity or the changedtactile control signal provided by the different tactile-senseapplication module 100 without calculating the output intensity orchanging the tactile control signal by itself so as to reduce the powerconsumption.

Furthermore, the data processing unit 112 may change any parameter(e.g., a frequency in the waveform information, a data format, or amodulation method) other than the output intensity (corresponding to theamplitude in the waveform information). Further, in a case where thetactile-sense application module 100 is able to output a sound, a video,etc., the data processing unit 112 may change the output of a sound, avideo, or the like, based on the positional information and theperceptual setting information.

(The Communication Unit 120)

The communication unit 120 is a functional component that transmits andreceives information to and from a different apparatus. For example, thecommunication unit 120 receives the tactile control signal and theperceptual setting information from the server 200. Furthermore, thecommunication unit 120 may transmit and receive a tactile controlsignal, perceptual setting information, sensor information, positionalinformation, and the like, to and from the different tactile-senseapplication module 100.

The communication unit 120 communicatively connects to a differentdevice via, for example, a wired/wireless LAN (Local Area Network),Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NearField Communication, or a mobile communication network (LTE (Long TermEvolution) or 3G (third-generation mobile communication system)).Further, the details of the communication and the communication systemimplemented by the communication unit 120 are not limited to the abovedescription.

(The Sensor Unit 130)

The sensor unit 130 is a functional component that generates sensorinformation used for the process of identifying the position of thetactile-sense application module 100, the process of changing thetactile control signal, and the like. For example, the sensor unit 130includes a three-dimensional position sensor (what is called a distancesensor such as an infrared sensor, a beacon, or a camera), an attitudesensor (a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc.), a temperaturesensor, or a pressure sensor. Furthermore, the types of sensors includedin the sensor unit 130 are not limited thereto.

(The Tactile-Sense Applying Unit 140)

The tactile-sense applying unit 140 is a functional component thatapplies a tactile stimulus to the user by using the tactile controlsignal changed by the data processing unit 112. For example, thetactile-sense applying unit 140 may be an actuator (e.g., ERM (eccentricmotor), LRA (linear resonant actuator), or VCM (voice coil motor)) thatapplies a vibration, may be an electric element that applies a sense offorce, or may be a temperature change element (e.g., a Peltier element)that applies a temperature sense. Moreover, as described above, thetactile sense applied by the tactile-sense applying unit 140 is notparticularly limited.

(The storage unit 150)

The storage unit 150 is a functional component that stores various typesof information. For example, the storage unit 150 stores the tactilecontrol signal and the perceptual setting information provided by theserver 200. Further, the storage unit 150 may previously store thesepieces of information. For example, the server 200 may provide thetactile control signal and the perceptual setting information to thetactile-sense application module 100 before the content is provided, orthe storage unit 150 may store the tactile control signal and theperceptual setting information at the time of manufacturing of thetactile-sense application module 100. Thus, instead of transmittingthese pieces of information, the server 200 may transmit the information(e.g., the ID of a tactile control signal or the ID of perceptualsetting information) with which these pieces of information isidentifiable so as to achieve the application of a tactile stimulus. Inother words, the volume of information to be communicated may bereduced. Further, the storage unit 150 also stores the positionalinformation, the sensor information, the program or parameter used byeach functional component, and the like. Moreover, the details of theinformation stored in the storage unit 150 are not limited thereto.

The examples of the functional components of the tactile-senseapplication module 100 have been described above. Further, theabove-described functional components described with reference to FIG. 6are merely examples, and the functional components of the tactile-senseapplication module 100 are not limited to the examples. For example, thetactile-sense application module 100 may not necessarily include all ofthe functional components illustrated in FIG. 6. Further, the functionalcomponent may be different for each of the tactile-sense applicationmodules 100 (for example, there may be the tactile-sense applicationmodule 100 dedicated to communicate with the server 200 or thetactile-sense application module 100 dedicated to apply a tactilestimulus). Further, at least part of the control unit 110 of thetactile-sense application module 100 may be implemented by using adifferent server (e.g., the server 200) on the network. Moreover, thefunctional component of the tactile-sense application module 100 may beflexibly modified in accordance with the specification or the operation.

3. Operation Processing

In the above description, the functional components of the server 200and the tactile-sense application module 100 according to the presentembodiment have been described. Next, the operation processing of theserver 200 and the tactile-sense application module 100 according to thepresent embodiment is described in detail with reference to FIG. 7 toFIG. 11.

(3-1. Operation to Identify a Position by the Tactile-Sense ApplicationModule 100)

First, the operation to identify the position by the tactile-senseapplication module 100 is described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 isa flowchart illustrating an example of the operation to identify theposition by the tactile-sense application module 100.

At Step S1000, the positional-information generating unit 111 of thetactile-sense application module 100 searches for the differenttactile-sense application module 100 located in the neighborhood byusing a three-dimensional position sensor, or the like (what is called adistance sensor such as an infrared sensor, a beacon, or a camera)included in the sensor unit 130. When the different tactile-senseapplication module 100 located in the neighborhood has been detected(Step S1004/Yes), the positional-information generating unit 111recognizes the relative positional relationship (e.g., a separationdistance) between its own apparatus and the detected differenttactile-sense application module 100 based on the sensor information atStep S1008. Furthermore, as described above, the positional-informationgenerating unit 111 may recognize the absolute position on the user'sbody (the target to which a tactile stimulus is applied) based on thesensor information.

At Step S1012, the positional-information generating unit 111 generatesthe positional information including the relative positional informationor the absolute positional information based on the recognition resultand stores the positional information in the storage unit 150 so as toterminate the series of processes. As described above, thepositional-information generating unit 111 performs the process in FIG.7 in accordance with a predetermined trigger (e.g., a request signalfrom the server 200) or at a predetermined timing (for example,periodically) to continuously recognize changes in its position andupdates the positional information.

(3-2. Operation to Output a Tactile Control Signal)

Next, the operation performed to output a tactile control signal by theserver 200 and the tactile-sense application module 100 in cooperationis described. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example ofthe operation to output a tactile control signal. Here, as an example,it is assumed that the tactile-sense application module 100 a to thetactile-sense application module 100 f are used as the tactile-senseapplication module 100.

At Step S1100, the perceptual-position/intensity determining unit 211 ofthe server 200 determines (calculates) the content (e.g., thevibrational frequency or amplitude) of the perception for thetactile-sense application modules 100 corresponding to the targetperceptual position and generates the tactile control signal or theperceptual setting information. At Step S1104, the communication unit220 transmits (broadcasts) the tactile control signal and the perceptualsetting information to each of the tactile-sense application modules 100at a predetermined timing (for example, at each timing of the reproducedcontent) under the control of the output control unit 212.

At Step S1108, after receiving the tactile control signal and theperceptual setting information, the data processing unit 112 of each ofthe tactile-sense application modules 100 acquires the positionalinformation generated by the positional-information generating unit 111from the storage unit 150. At Step S1112, the data processing unit 112changes the tactile control signal based on the positional informationon its own apparatus and the perceptual setting information. The dataprocessing unit 112 calculates the output intensity of its own apparatusbased on, for example, the perceptual position and the perceptualintensity specified by the perceptual setting information and therelative positional relationship between its own apparatus and thetactile-sense application modules 100 located in the neighborhood andexecutes amplification, attenuation, or the like, of the tactile controlsignal on the basis of the output intensity.

At Step S1116, the tactile-sense applying unit 140 outputs the changedtactile control signal to apply a tactile stimulus to the user. Then,for example, the process from Step S1100 to S1116 described above iscontinued until the reproduced content is finished. This allows theserver 200 and the tactile-sense application module 100 to provide theuser with the content accompanied with a tactile stimulus.

Furthermore, the operation to output the tactile control signal is notlimited to the example in FIG. 8. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9,at least any one of the tactile-sense application modules 100 mayperform the function to communicate with the server 200 so as to providethe tactile control signal and the perceptual setting information to thedifferent tactile-sense application module 100.

More specifically, after the perceptual-position/intensity determiningunit 211 of the server 200 generates the tactile control signal or theperceptual setting information at Step S1200 of FIG. 9, thecommunication unit 220 transmits the tactile control signal and theperceptual setting information to only the tactile-sense applicationmodule 100 a that is one of the tactile-sense application modules 100 atStep S1204. Then, at Step S1208, the communication unit 120 of thetactile-sense application module 100 a transmits the tactile controlsignal and the perceptual setting information to the tactile-senseapplication module 100 b to the tactile-sense application module 100 f.The operations at Steps S1212 to Step S1220 are the same as theoperations at Step S1108 to Step S1116 in FIG. 8, and therefore thedescription thereof is omitted.

Furthermore, in some cases, the communication band between the server200 and each of the tactile-sense application modules 100 is limited orthere is the tactile-sense application module 100 that has a lowcommunication performance (or does not have the function to communicatewith the server 200). In such a case, too, as in FIG. 9, at least one ofthe tactile-sense application modules 100 communicates with the server200 in place of the other tactile-sense application modules 100 so thateach of the tactile-sense application modules 100 may perform theoperation to output the tactile control signal as appropriate. Moreover,the specific tactile-sense application module 100 may receive, from theserver 200, various types of software (for example, updated latestsoftware) executed by each of the tactile-sense application modules 100as well as the tactile control signal and the perceptual settinginformation and provide it to the other tactile-sense applicationmodules 100.

Here, as described above, the tactile control signal or the perceptualsetting information may be provided by the server 200 to thetactile-sense application module 100 before the content is provided ormay be stored in the storage unit 150 at the time of manufacturing ofthe tactile-sense application module 100. Therefore, an example of theoperation of outputting the tactile control signal in a case where thetactile control signal is provided by the server 200 before the contentis provided is subsequently described with reference to FIG. 10.

After the perceptual-position/intensity determining unit 211 of theserver 200 generates one or two or more tactile control signals beforethe content is reproduced at Step S1300 of FIG. 10, the communicationunit 220 transmits (broadcasts) the tactile control signal to each ofthe tactile-sense application modules 100 at Step S1304. Further, eachof the tactile-sense application modules 100 stores the received one ortwo or more tactile control signals in the storage unit 150.

Then, at the time of the reproduction of the content, at Step S1308, theperceptual-position/intensity determining unit 211 of the server 200determines (calculates) the content (for example, the vibrationalfrequency or amplitude) of the perception for the tactile-senseapplication modules 100 corresponding to the target perceptual position,generates the perceptual setting information, and acquires the ID foridentifying the tactile control signal. At Step S1312, the communicationunit 220 transmits (broadcasts) the perceptual setting information andthe ID of the tactile control signal to each of the tactile-senseapplication modules 100 at a predetermined timing (for example, at eachtiming of the reproduced content) under the control of the outputcontrol unit 212.

At Step S1316, after receiving the perceptual setting information andthe ID of the tactile control signal, the data processing unit 112 ofeach of the tactile-sense application modules 100 uses the ID of thetactile control signal to acquire the tactile control signal from thestorage unit 150. As the operations at Step S1320 to Step S1328 are thesame as the operations at Step S1108 to Step S1116 in FIG. 8, thedescription is omitted. Furthermore, for example, the process from StepS1308 to Step S1328 described above is continued until the reproducedcontent is finished. The transmission of the ID of the tactile controlsignal instead of the tactile control signal may reduce the volume ofinformation communicated by the server 200 and the tactile-senseapplication module 100 according to the present disclosure.

In the example described above, each of the tactile-sense applicationmodules 100 changes the tactile control signal; however, the server 200may change the tactile control signal. Therefore, with reference to FIG.11, an example in which the server 200 changes the tactile controlsignal in accordance with the perceptual setting information and thepositional information on each of the tactile-sense application modules100 is described. Moreover, in this case, it is assumed that the server200 includes a functional component (hereinafter referred to as “dataprocessing unit”) equivalent to the data processing unit 112 of thetactile-sense application module 100.

At Step S1400 of FIG. 11, the data processing unit 112 of each of thetactile-sense application modules 100 acquires the positionalinformation generated by the positional-information generating unit 111from the storage unit 150, and the communication unit 120 transmits thepositional information to the server 200 at Step S1404. Further, thetrigger or the timing for performing these processes are notparticularly limited. For example, the processes may be performed byusing a request signal from the server 200 as a trigger or may beperformed at a regular timing.

At Step S1408, the perceptual-position/intensity determining unit 211 ofthe server 200 determines (calculates) the content (for example, thevibrational frequency or amplitude) of the perception for thetactile-sense application modules 100 corresponding to the targetperceptual position and generates the tactile control signal or theperceptual setting information. At Step S1412, the data processing unitof the server 200 changes the tactile control signal for each of thetactile-sense application modules 100 based on the positionalinformation on each of the tactile-sense application modules 100 and theperceptual setting information. Then, at Step S1416, the communicationunit 220 of the server 200 transmits the changed tactile control signalto each of the tactile-sense application modules 100. At Step S1420, thetactile-sense applying unit 140 of each of the tactile-sense applicationmodules 100 outputs the tactile control signal (without the changeprocess by the data processing unit 112) so as to apply a tactilestimulus to the user. Then, for example, the process from Step S1400 toS1420 described above is continued until the reproduced content isfinished.

Thus, the server 200 changes the tactile control signal so as to reducethe processing load of each of the tactile-sense application modules100. Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 11, the data processing unit112 of the tactile-sense application module 100 may change the tactilecontrol signal as appropriate. For example, when there is a delay in theprocess of changing the tactile control signal by the server 200, thedata processing unit 112 of the tactile-sense application module 100 maychange the tactile control signal again based on the latest positionalinformation.

Furthermore, the steps in the flowchart and the sequence diagramsillustrated in FIG. 7 to FIG. 11 do not necessarily need to be performedin time sequence in the order described. That is, the steps in theflowchart or the sequence diagrams may be performed in an orderdifferent from the order described or may be performed in parallel.

4. Hardware Configuration

In the above description, the operation processing of the server 200 andthe tactile-sense application module 100 according to the presentembodiment has been described in detail. Next, with reference to FIG.12, an example of the hardware configuration of an informationprocessing apparatus 900 that implements the server 200 and thetactile-sense application module 100 is described.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of theinformation processing apparatus 900. The information processingapparatus 900 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 901, a ROM (ReadOnly Memory) 902, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 903, a host bus 904, abridge 905, an external bus 906, an interface 907, an input device 908,an output device 909, a storage device (HDD) 910, a drive 911, and acommunication device 912.

The CPU 901 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a controldevice to control the overall operation in the information processingapparatus 900 in accordance with various programs. Further, the CPU 901may be a microprocessor. The ROM 902 stores a program, operationparameter, and the like, used by the CPU 901. The RAM 903 temporarilystores a program used during the execution of the CPU 901, a parameterchanged as appropriate during the execution, and the like. They arecoupled to each other via the host bus 904 that includes a CPU bus, etc.Due to the cooperation of the CPU 901, the ROM 902, and the RAM 903,each of the functions of the control unit 210 in the server 200 and thecontrol unit 110 and the sensor unit 130 in the tactile-senseapplication module 100 are performed.

The host bus 904 is coupled to the external bus 906, such as a PCI(Peripheral Component Interconnect/Interface) bus, via the bridge 905.Furthermore, the host bus 904, the bridge 905, and the external bus 906do not necessarily need to be separated from each other, and theirfunctions may be implemented in the single bus.

The input device 908 includes, for example, an input means to inputinformation by the user, such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, abutton, a microphone, a switch, and a lever, and an input controlcircuitry that generates an input signal based on an input from the userand outputs it to the CPU 901. The user of the information processingapparatus 900 may operate the input device 908 to input various types ofinformation and instruct a processing operation to each device. Theinput device 908 implements the function of the operation input unit 230of the server 200.

The output device 909 includes a display device, such as a CRT (CathodeRay Tube) display device, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, an OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) device, and a lamp. Further, the outputdevice 909 includes a sound output device such as a speaker andheadphones. The output device 909 outputs, for example, the reproducedcontent. Specifically, the display device displays various types ofinformation such as reproduced video data in text or an image. Further,the sound output device converts the reproduced sound data, or the like,into a sound and outputs it. In particular, the output device 909according to the present disclosure includes an actuator (e.g., an ERM(eccentric motor), an LRA (linear resonant actuator), or a VCM (voicecoil motor)) that applies a vibration, an electrical stimulus elementthat applies a sense of force, a temperature change element, or the like(e.g., a Peltier element) that applies a temperature sense. The outputdevice 909 implements the functions of the display unit 240 of theserver 200 and the tactile-sense applying unit 140 of the tactile-senseapplication module 100.

The storage device 910 is a device for data storage. The storage device910 may include a storage medium, a recording device that records datain a storage medium, a reading device that reads data from a storagemedium, a deletion device that deletes data recorded in a storagemedium, and the like. The storage device 910 includes, for example, anHDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage device 910 drives a hard disk tostore programs and various types of data executed by the CPU 901. Thestorage device 910 implements the functions of the storage unit 250 ofthe server 200 and the storage unit 150 of the tactile-sense applicationmodule 100.

The drive 911 is a reader/writer for a storage medium and is built in orexternally attached to the information processing apparatus 900. Thedrive 911 reads information recorded in a removable storage medium 913such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or asemiconductor memory that is attached, and outputs it to the RAM 903.Furthermore, the drive 911 may also write information in the removablestorage medium 913.

The communication device 912 is, for example, a communication interfaceincluding a communication device, or the like, for connecting to thecommunication network 914. The communication device 912 implements thefunctions of the communication unit 220 of the server 200 and thecommunication unit 120 of the tactile-sense application module 100.

5. Conclusion

As described above, according to the present disclosure, the tactilecontrol signal is changed as appropriate by using the positionalinformation on the tactile-sense application modules 100 and theperceptual setting information. Thus, even in a case where theinstallation layout of the tactile-sense application modules 100 ischanged or the position of the tactile-sense application module 100 withrespect to the body is changed, the tactile-sense application module 100may be flexible depending on the position so as to achieve the sameperception effect as that at the time of recording of the tactilecontrol signal.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have beendescribed above in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings,the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to theexamples. It is apparent that those skilled in the art according to thepresent disclosure may make various modifications and variations withinthe scope of the technical idea described in claims, and it is naturallyunderstood that they also belong to the technical scope of the presentdisclosure.

For example, although the tactile-sense application device 10 is used bythe single user in the example described above, the tactile-senseapplication device 10 may be used by multiple users. For example, in theassumed case, the tactile-sense application device 10 forms a floorsurface (for example, the case in which the tactile-sense applicationdevice 10 is a member used for the floor surface or is a carpet, or thelike, put on the floor surface) and multiple users are present on thetactile-sense application device 10. In this case, each of thetactile-sense application modules 100 analyzes the sensor informationfrom the sensor unit 130 to recognize the relative positionalrelationship (e.g., a separation distance) between the users and its ownapparatus and generates the positional information. Furthermore, each ofthe tactile-sense application modules 100 may change the tactile controlsignal by using the positional information and the perceptual settinginformation. Thus, each of the tactile-sense application modules 100 mayapply a tactile stimulus that dynamically changes in accordance with thepositions of the users.

Furthermore, in the above description, each of the tactile-senseapplication modules 100 changes the tactile control signal in accordancewith its positional information and perceptual setting information toapply an appropriate tactile stimulus even when the position of each ofthe tactile-sense application modules 100 is changed. However, this isnot a limitation, and each of the tactile-sense application modules 100may physically adjust the position of each of the tactile-senseapplication modules 100 instead of changing the tactile control signals(or together with changing the tactile control signal). For example,when the tactile-sense application module 100 analyzes the sensorinformation from the sensor unit 130 and thus recognizes a change in theposition of its own apparatus, it may control the actuator, or the like,of the tactile-sense applying unit 140 to move its own apparatus to anappropriate position so as to eliminate a change in the position andapply an appropriate tactile stimulus.

Furthermore, the advantageous effect described in this description ismerely for illustration or exemplification and not for limitation. Thatis, the technology according to the present disclosure may produce otheradvantageous effects apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdescription in addition to or instead of the above-describedadvantageous effect.

Furthermore, the following configurations also belong to the technicalscope of the present disclosure.

(1)

An information processing apparatus comprising:

an acquiring unit that acquires positional information on at least oneof a plurality of tactile-sense applying units that apply a tactilestimulus by using a tactile control signal generated for each of thetactile-sense applying units; and

a data processing unit that changes the tactile control signal by usingthe positional information.

(2)

The information processing apparatus according to (1), wherein thetactile-sense applying units are included in one or one group oftactile-sense application devices.

(3)

The information processing apparatus according to (2), wherein the dataprocessing unit changes a tactile control signal used by thetactile-sense application device to generate a tactile control signalused by a different tactile-sense application device.

(4)

The information processing apparatus according to (3), wherein the dataprocessing unit changes the tactile control signal in accordance with adifference in the positional information between the tactile-senseapplication device and the different tactile-sense application device.

(5)

The information processing apparatus according to (4), wherein thedifference is caused due to a difference in an installation layout ofthe tactile-sense applying units between the tactile-sense applicationdevice and the different tactile-sense application device.

(6)

The information processing apparatus according to (4), wherein thedifference is caused due to a difference in an attachment state or ausage mode of a user between the tactile-sense application device andthe different tactile-sense application device.

(7)

The information processing apparatus according to any one of (2) to (6),wherein the information processing apparatus functions as thetactile-sense applying unit.

(8)

The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7),wherein the positional information is information indicating a relativepositional relationship between the tactile-sense applying units orinformation indicating an absolute position of a target to which thetactile stimulus is applied.

(9)

The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8),further comprising a positional-information generating unit thatgenerates the positional information based on predetermined sensorinformation.

(10)

The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9),wherein the tactile stimulus includes at least one of a vibration, asense of force, and a temperature sense.

(11)

An information processing method implemented by a computer, comprising:

acquiring positional information on at least one of a plurality oftactile-sense applying units that apply a tactile stimulus by using atactile control signal generated for each of the tactile-sense applyingunits; and

changing the tactile control signal by using the positional information.

(12)

A program causing a computer to execute:

acquiring positional information on at least one of a plurality oftactile-sense applying units that apply a tactile stimulus by using atactile control signal generated for each of the tactile-sense applyingunits; and

changing the tactile control signal by using the positional information.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   10 TACTILE-SENSE APPLICATION DEVICE    -   100 TACTILE-SENSE APPLICATION MODULE    -   110 CONTROL UNIT    -   111 POSITIONAL-INFORMATION GENERATING UNIT    -   112 DATA PROCESSING UNIT    -   120 COMMUNICATION UNIT    -   130 SENSOR UNIT    -   140 TACTILE-SENSE APPLYING UNIT    -   150 STORAGE UNIT    -   200 SERVER    -   210 CONTROL UNIT    -   211 PERCEPTUAL-POSITION/INTENSITY DETERMINING UNIT    -   212 OUTPUT CONTROL UNIT    -   220 COMMUNICATION UNIT    -   230 OPERATION INPUT UNIT    -   240 DISPLAY UNIT    -   250 STORAGE UNIT

The invention claimed is:
 1. An information processing apparatuscomprising: a tactile-sense applying unit configured to apply a tactilestimulus; an acquiring unit configured to acquire positional informationon at least one of a plurality of other tactile-sense applying unitsconfigured to apply the tactile stimulus by using a respective tactilecontrol signal generated for each respective other tactile-senseapplying unit of the plurality of other tactile-sense applying units; adata processing unit configured to change at least one respectivetactile control signal by using the positional information for at leastone respective other tactile-sense applying unit and perceptual settinginformation; and a communication unit configured to transmit the atleast one respective changed tactile control signal to the at least onerespective other tactile-sense applying unit, wherein the perceptualsetting information includes a movement route of a perceptual positionof the tactile stimulus, wherein the tactile-sense applying unit, theacquiring unit, the data processing unit, and the communication unit areeach implemented via at least one processor.
 2. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality ofother tactile-sense applying units are included in at least one group oftactile-sense application devices.
 3. The information processingapparatus according to claim 2, wherein the data processing unit changesa first tactile control signal used by a first tactile-sense applicationdevice in a group of the at least one group of tactile-sense applicationdevices to generate a second tactile control signal used by a secondtactile-sense application in the group that is different from the firsttactile-sense application device.
 4. The information processingapparatus according to claim 3, wherein the data processing unit changesthe tactile control signal in accordance with a difference in thepositional information between the first tactile-sense applicationdevice and the second tactile-sense application device.
 5. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein thedifference is caused due to a difference in an installation layout ofthe tactile-sense applying units between the tactile-sense applicationdevice and the different tactile-sense application device.
 6. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein thedifference is caused due to a difference in an attachment state or ausage mode of a user between the tactile-sense application device andthe different tactile-sense application device.
 7. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the positionalinformation is information indicating a relative positional relationshipbetween the tactile-sense applying units or information indicating anabsolute position of a target to which the tactile stimulus is applied.8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising a positional-information generating unit that generates thepositional information based on predetermined sensor information.
 9. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thetactile stimulus includes at least one of a vibration, a sense of force,and a temperature sense.
 10. The information processing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the data processing unit changes outputintensity of the respective tactile control signal for the at least onerespective other tactile control signal.
 11. An information processingmethod implemented by a computer, comprising: applying a tactilestimulus using a tactile-sense applying unit; acquiring positionalinformation on at least one of a plurality of other tactile-senseapplying units configured to apply the tactile stimulus by using arespective tactile control signal generated for each respective othertactile-sense applying unit of the plurality of other tactile-senseapplying units; changing at least one respective the tactile controlsignal by using the positional information for at least one respectiveother tactile-sense applying unit and perceptual setting information;and transmitting the at least one respective changed tactile controlsignal from the tactile-sense applying unit to the at least onerespective other tactile-sense applying unit, wherein the perceptualsetting information includes a movement route of a perceptual positionof the tactile stimulus.
 12. A non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium having embodied thereon a program, which when executed by acomputer causes the computer to execute a method, the method comprising:applying a tactile stimulus using a tactile-sense applying unit;acquiring positional information on at least one of a plurality of othertactile-sense applying units configured to apply the tactile stimulus byusing a respective tactile control signal generated for each respectiveother tactile-sense applying unit of the plurality of othertactile-sense applying units; changing at least one respective thetactile control signal by using the positional information for at leastone respective other tactile-sense applying unit and perceptual settinginformation; and transmitting the at least one respective changedtactile control signal from the tactile-sense applying unit to the atleast one respective other tactile-sense applying unit, wherein theperceptual setting information includes a movement route of a perceptualposition of the tactile stimulus.